Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan of Temple Beth Israel in York sent the following letter to congregants in the wake of the mass killing at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh Oct. 27:

Dear TBI family,

Our hearts were broken this morning as we heard the news of the tragic synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. I happen to be in Pittsburgh this weekend, and the mood here is somber and filled with grief.

I have spent the day talking with members of law enforcement, security experts, members of our local government, colleagues from York's interfaith community, and others who have pledged their support to the Jewish community. Suffice it to say, we are blessed to have many good friends in York!

In the coming days, I will join with others in various security briefings that will examine what enhancements make the most sense for our congregation.

I am fully aware of the heightened anxiety that exists as a result of today's horrific event. Nonetheless, we will not be deterred in our pursuit of exercising our religious liberties and the celebration of our Jewish faith.

May God be with all who are suffering, with those tending to the physical and emotional needs of those impacted directly, and with those among our people whose lives were cut short by this senseless act of violent hatred.